As Sachin guided the first ball after tea to third man yesterday to go past Lara's record it bought immense relief and pleasure to all cricket fans. But then there was also a tinge of disappointment in the timing and the environment in which he passed the landmark.
He got those runs against a bowler whose only possible future claim to fame would be the same. And by the way just for remembrance, his name is Peter Siddle.
He got those runs in a half empty stadium, and half of this half was filled with school children allowed free entry. This was not in a foreign nation but in our own land. I am sure people in any other country would have paid thousands to watch this moment.
He got those runs just two innings and a week after I had last seen him bat live on the cricket field. Yes, I would also have paid thousands to watch this moment. (For those who know me, this can be classified under Ripley's believe it or not)
And finally and perhaps most tragically the man on air at that time was Ravi Shastri.
Compare this with the manner in which Lara eclipsed Border's record. At Adelaide, in Border's own land. Against Glenn McGrath, perhaps the best fast bowler of our times. On air were some of the legends of Channel Nine. And the shot. With all the nonchalance in the world he walked across the stumps exposing each one of them and tucked away McGrath to fine leg.
But then Sachin never does bother about landmarks or the way they are achieved right? Yeah right!!
Maya Miriga (1984)
5 months ago
